"Sweet Treats"

Look at the surprise Alyssa and I got in the mail today from Rochelle! She was mailing me some more of those $ spot mailboxes, but she also included these 'sweet treats' for each of us! She is just too good to us!!

She has scored so many points with Alyssa it is unreal! LOL Alyssa finally said today..."I love Mrs. Rochelle".

So, thank you, Rochelle! You made our day!!

"Snow Day"

Alyssa finally got a 'snow day' today! She was thrilled this morning when our school system was listed as closed and she didn't even have to get out of bed! We didn't get much snow, it was mainly because of slick roads. The sun is out right now, but we are suppose to get another round later this evening.

"Another Candy Container"

I just love finding new, fun things to put candy treats in! This acetate container is from Creative Cuts and More. Isn't it cute!! This style container would work great for so many things...party favors; Easter baskets; stocking stuffers...I could go on and on! LOL I just think they are perfect, because you can fill them with any kind of treat you would like! I've filled this one with Spree candy and Alyssa has already 'claimed' it!

"Hershey's Pull Up Holder"

My dear friend, Rochelle, has made pull up holders with M&Ms packs forever, and I've always loved them, but never done any....(who knows why I have not)....but today was the day!!!Also, on SplitCoast right now, the pull out treats were one of Beate's tutorials, so there you have it!

I will be truthful and say that I went by Beate's directions (forgive me, Rochelle). For the tutorial for this by Beate Johns of SCS, you can click HERE.

I used solid brown Bazzill for my base; misc. paisley patterned paper from Hobby Lobby; and, My Mind's Eye sheer ribbon.

"My Alligator Treat Box"

I totally got all inspiration for this adorable treat box from Melanie Muenchinger's blog. She made one using the giraffe from Gina K's "Just So Hippy" stamp set. However, since I don't have that set yet, I pulled out one of Alyssa's trusty 'ole coloring books (yes, I said coloring book), and found my new friend, Mr. Alligator. Let me introduce you....he was cute enough and, hey, he's holding a heart. LOL

Anyway, to make this treat box, I used the clear boxes from Papertrey. For the insert, I cut my cardstock 5 7/8" x 12". You will score the cardstock at 2 3/4", 3 3/4", 8", and 9". You will also need to decide what type of shape you want to cut out for the treats to show through. (I chose a circle, because I did not have anything large enough to cut a oval.) When choosing your image for the cut-out, make sure it is a little taller, so it will not fall through.

Now back to my new friend, Mr. Alligator. I colored him with Prismacolor pencils and blended with gamsol and a stump. Then cut him out and placed him on top of the red-polked Offray ribbon with a glue dot. After decorating my background cardstock with misc. stamped images, I wrapped the ribbon around and attached it in the back with more glue dots. Now, all you have to do is insert the decorated cardstock into the box; stand it up and fill with treats!!

Thanks again to Melanie for all the directions and inspiration for this!

"Chocolate Pouches"

The inspiration for this adorable 'pouch' came from Emma on SCS. I saw her post and loved it!! After emailing her, she was generous enough to help me out with the dimensions.

I used solid Bazzill for my pouch and mat, adhering it together with 1/8" Wacky Tape. The images and sentiment are from Papertrey Ink. The sheer ribbon is Offray.

Since the sentiment says "Nuttin' Better than a true friend", it would make a great treat for males or females. These could also work great as party favors (just with a different sentiments on the front). The possibilities are endless!!

"Email"

I get emails all the time that have cute sayings and stuff, but when they come with pictures like this and make me chuckle out loud, I want everybody else to see it, too!! Ok, so I think he's cute!!! You'll think he's cute, too, once you read the saying that came with him:

To all my friends who sent me best wishes in 2007, or promises of good luck if I forwarded something, it did NOT WORK. So, for 2008, could you please just send either money, chocolate or gas vouchers?

Thanks, Jennifer, for the email! As you can see, I loved it!! LOL

"Elzybell Card"

I made this card for my dear friend, Lisa. I am mailing out some stuff to her this week and wanted to include a card.

This is the first time I've used my Elzybell and 'thinking of you' stamps from A Muse Artstamps. The solid cardstocks are Bazzill and the pattern papers are Scenic Route. I was not sure about the color combo until I got it together, then I liked it! Hope she does, too!

"Awesome Picture"

I just had to post this picture! I received this in an email from my sweet neighbor, Michelle. Her husband's brother lives in Wisconsin and they took this picture. Is it not awesome? This is not something I get to see ever, so I loved that they emailed the photo to me!

Thanks, Michelle & George!

"Another Mailbox"

Here's another one of those mailboxes from the $ spot at Target. I think they are adorable!! This one is for my mom to give to a friend at work. We're going to fill it with sweets, so I hope she'll like it!

I, again, used the plaid pattern paper from the Bo Bunny's Smitten collection, along with misc. coordinating ribbons. I also used the same stamped image from Inky Antics, called Puppy Love.

"One Page"

I know this image is pitiful (it's the best I could get it scanned), but this is the only page I got done at Saturday's crop! LOL (If you click on the image, it does help alittle) It was a 12 hour crop, and I did get there late, and planned on getting lots of scrapbooking done, but this was it!!

However, I had a blast!! The reason I was not productive in my scrapbooking efforts was because I talked the whole time! LOL You would think that someone could visit with others and be able to scrapbook....but not I. heehee But, I will say again, I enjoyed myself!!!

"Fiskateer"

Look what I got in the mail today just for becoming a Fiskateer! Fiskars has an online club called the "Fiskateers" that you can join for free. They offer tips on anything crafting. When you join, you become an 'official' Fiskateer with your own 'number'. So, I got this new pair of Fiskars scissors, with my 'number' etched on one of the blades (how cool!), along with a carrying bag. My Fiskateer Number is 2847.

So, go check them out HERE!

Alot of you are having trouble joining, so I wanted to let everyone know that I just emailed Cheryl, and she helped me. So, if needed, email her at cheryl@fiskateers.com.

"Essentials"

I have been asked what single product I have that I cannot live without. Well, sorry to say, I can't name just one. In racking my brain to think if there was one thing, I just couldn't do it.


Of course, there are many things I rely on daily when creating my projects, but I finally came up with a basic list of five things that I use with almost every project.

1. Fiskars 12" cutter

2. 1/4" Wacky Tape

3. Black ZIG Writer

4. Cutterbee scissors

5. Scotch double-sided tape

Don't get me wrong, I love my punches, Xyron, inks, stamps, ribbons, cutting machines, etc. But the above list is what I have to have to function! LOL

"You've Got Mail"

No wonder these little mailboxes are all the rage! They are so stinkin' cute when decorated! Unfortunately, there was only 4 left at Target's $ spot when I got there, and 1 of those was pretty damaged. However, the 3 remaining were red, pink and white...so, I was lucky enough to get one of each color offered!


I've decorated the red for my niece, Lauren, and the pink for my daughter, Alyssa. I've already got lots of goodies to fill both, but that's got to be a surprise!!


On the pink, I used the plaid pattern paper from the Bo Bunny's Smitten collection, and on the red, a patterned stripe paper from KI Memories, along with a variety of coordinating ribbons on both. Also on both lids, I stamped an adorable image from Inky Antics called Puppy Love. I thought it was the ideal thing to add. Below, I've posted a better picture of the image.

"Clipboard Order"

This is an order I completed for some dear friends to give to their employees. Blue and white are the colors they chose and I placed their company name in the bottom center of each clipboard. I used wide white Offray ribbon across the middle of the clipboards. And, across the top of each, is a mixture of blue and white Offray ribbons. I hope they like them.

"Good Bunch of Kids"

We had a wonderful dinner at my dad and stepmom's house this past Saturday, and all of my step-brothers and their families were able to come. Here lately, our lives are so full and busy that it is hard to get everyone together. Also, is it hard to get teenagers to actually sit still (and together) for a picture. So, when we got this shot, we were all proud!

This photo is of my beautiful two nieces and daughter; and, my handsome nephew. This is a pretty good bunch of kids, even if I do say so myself! LOL

"Bee Mine"

This is a one of those blister style packs of gum. This is my first time trying these, and I thought they would be cute to decorate for Valentine's.

I 'wrapped' my cardstock around the original packaging and then decorated the cover with coordinating cardstock and stamps. I used my 1 1/4 hole punch for the notch where you pull the gum out, then just adhered the punched out piece onto the blister pack with wacky tape.

When making this, I referred to the detailed instructions Rochelle posted on her blog for an Eclipse gum holder. You can find them on her site HERE. (I used Trident White)

"Cupid Poop!"

I totally CASEd this from Marisa (Risa) Alvarez on SCS and her blog Memory* Preserves. She was a sweetheart in helping me with all the info on these! Thanks, Risa!

I filled these plastic containers with red hot candies and then tied them with with misc. sheer ribbons. I attached the scallop circle 'cards' also with ribbons and adhered the typed poem to the back of the circle. Below is the cute poem:

Cupid Poop!

I couldn't send you flowers

and candy wouldn't do

and mushy cards just didn't

say the things I want them to.

So, I got you something special

and here's the inside scoop

I found you something very rare

it's genuine Cupid poop!

**Alot of people have asked where I got the containers for this project. I just wanted to let everyone know that these are 'clamshell' containers you receive as a gift with purchase from The Angel Company****

"Class Treats"

Ok, first off, I did not make these adorable favor boxes. But, let me explain....

While in Wal-Mart the other night buying all this Valentine's candy that I'm going to 'do' something with, Alyssa found these favor boxes that she liked. She asked why could we not just use these to put candy in for her class treats, instead of me having to 'make' something. I was thrilled! (I always knew she was a brilliant child!!) LOL

So, guess what? Class treats for Valentine's Day...done! I've even posted a picture below...I'm so excited!

Don't get me wrong, I love making things for Alyssa to carry to school. Ask anyone that knows me....I've always made class treats. But, we are in the 5th grade, and let me say, I'm pushing it here. First, she's not always as 'excited' about my creations -- it's not as 'cool' anymore, and also, I've about run the gammit on stuff to make for class treats. So, I will say, I've probably got until the end of this year for class treats, but I'm sure 6th grade will be off limits! LOL

"Bubbles"

I still think bubbles are fun! So when I saw these in the Valentine aisle at Wal-Mart, I just had to get them! And, since my 11 year old daughter is so over bubbles....I was told, I'm glad my neighbors have young kids!! (*wink* Michelle)

So, as you'll see below, I decided to make a 'card', to hold the bubble tube, like the ones I make to hold the lipglosses and chapsticks, but bigger!! I was able to decorate the front with patterned paper and misc. fun Valentine's stickers, then I used the slot punch from SU and tied it closed with sheer pink ribbon. Fun!

"Pansy Jar"

I decorated this plastic container and gift bag for Flossie, my hairdresser. She stays super busy, but is so good to always work me and Alyssa in for an appointment, even on short notice. So, since we've both got an appointment this afternoon, I wanted to take her a little something.

She loves Jelly Bellies, like me, so I filled this plastic container by Making Memories with them. My pansy stamp is by Autumn Leaves; brown cardstock is Bazzill; scalloped circle punches by Marvy; ribbon by Offray; and ink is SU's chocolate chip. I colored the pansy in with a pale blue. The frosted bag is by Papertrey.

I hope she likes it!!

"That's A Wrap"

I love these! They are so easy to make up and are cute, too! I made these up for Valentine's --using pinks and browns. I'm going to make up several, so I'll have them handy to give out. They are the perfect little treat for someone!

"Valentine's Gum Holders"

Ok, I'm suppose to be cleaning my craft room, but let's face it, that's no fun! So, I decided to just play instead!

I made these gum holders using stamps from the 'Punny Valentine' set from Papertrey. The brown cardstock is Bo-Bunny; red is Bazzill; all inks are from SU; and the mini rhinestones are from My Mind's Eye. (Again, you've got to click on the image to get a clear view.)

The inspiration for using the mini rhinestones on top of the pies came from a gallery post of Lisa Johnson at Papertrey Ink. I think it is the perfect touch! Thanks, Lisa, for the idea!

"Happy New Year!"

Happy 2008!! Can you believe it is the beginning of another year?!?! I wanted to wish everyone well!

I am in my craft room today trying to 'revamp' it because it is bad scary! When making all my holiday orders, I totally wrecked my room, so I've got to get it back to normal.

My main New Year's resolution for this year (besides losing weight) is to get all my scrapbooks in order. Even though I absolutely love all this paper crafting I'm doing (and am definitely going to continue), my main passion has always been scrapbooking. I started scrapbooking when I was six months pregnant with my daughter, Alyssa, and I've done an album of her for every year since. (Plus a birthday book; a Christmas book; a cheerleading book; a vacation book, etc.) However, the last year or so has gotten a little hairy, so I'm in need of getting her books in order. I can get a little OCD about it. LOL

So, I've got to get busy, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year's!!